Use of Budget
Topping out at just under $30,000, Under Surveillance was right on the bubble for our budgeting. Though the film has a good visual look, the acting and the audio were quite decent, and the score was amazing, it still doesn’t look as though it should have cost quite so much.
However, after speaking with the director, I discovered that a good percentage of the budget (which initially started out at $20,000) was spent on fixing problems in post-production. The initial score composer for the film quit unexpectedly, and the director had to start from scratch. In order to color correct the film, three years was spent on four different colorists, three of which delivered unusable results. Three years was also spent on fixing the sound on the movie – using six different sound designers before a finished product was reached. While he had setbacks, all the places he used his funds were logical and well thought out.
He just basically ran into the sort of issues that always waste money and time on the first feature film any director does. Only after a first feature does a director know who can be counted on and what is necessary to achieve the film he desires. Murphy’s Law always applies triple when it comes to one's first film! Anything can – and often will - happen in any phase of production, but more so on the first film. So, for those who are about to begin filmmaking, bear that in mind. (And get rid of the first person on your set who pipes up with the comment, “Can't we just fix it in post?”)
In the end, the filmmaker achieved his goal – and did a pretty darn good job – at a very reasonable rate considering the issues he had to overcome.
Lasting Appeal
This is an intense film. It takes the audience on a ride – mostly due to its a great score, visual look, and mysterious story. Despite a few minor issues that could stand to be tweaked a little bit, it’s still a very watchable film, and quite a remarkable achievement, considering the many setbacks involved in its production. I think perhaps the most impressive aspect of Under Surveillance is that the director was brave enough to not give up after so many problems arose!
Overall Comment
This is a really interesting story. It plays on innate fears and urban legends about being secretly watched by some unknown person, but the film also speaks to the power associated with those doing the watching, and how they can so easily get carried away.
It is also interesting how the rather naïve main character goes through a lot of changes. He starts off the film thinking that he’s seen everything after trying to take care of his mother, and thinks that moving in with his father the cop will be a far better life. However, he ends up getting a rather big bite of the reality sandwich instead.
Besides, everyone loves to be taken on the roller-coaster ride of an intense and suspenseful thriller, and Under Surveillance definitely fits that bill!
